Juke Box Race Records #1s for 1945

I Wonder

The designation of black/soul/R&B music has changed over time—the Juke Box Race Records #1s for 1945 cover most of that year.

The Honeydripper, parts 1 and 2 – Joe Liggins and His Honeydrippers: “Little” Willie Jackson – Alto and Baritone, James Jackson – Tenor, Joe Liggins -Piano, Eddie Davis (Exclusive), written by Liggins – Bass (Exclusive records), 18 weeks at #1, starting on 9/18 through the end of the year. The tune was based around the traditional song “Shortnin’ Bread.” Hit cover versions were also made by Jimmie Lunceford (#2 R&B, 1945), Roosevelt Sykes (#3 R&B, 1945), and Cab Calloway (#3 R&B, 1946).

Who Through The Whiskey In The Well (DeLange-Brooks) Lucky Millinder & his Orchestra, vocal by Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris and Congregation (Decca), eight weeks at #1. I LOVE this song!

I Wonder – Roosevelt Sykes and his piano with electric guitar and traps (Bluebird/Victor), seven weeks at #1

Caldonia (F. Moore) Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five (Decca), seven weeks at #1

Tippin’ In (Bobby Smith) – Erskine Hawkins & his Orchestra (RCA Victor), six weeks at #1. Instrumental.

I Wonder–  Pvt. Cecil Gant (Gilt-Edge Records), written by Gilt, two weeks at #1. “This was the influential 1940s blues singer/pianist’s second recorded version of what became his signature ballad (the first was done for the Bronze label earlier in ’44). Label-billed as “The G.I. Sing-Sation,” he was serving in the army at the time.” This version charted first, followed immediately by the Sykes take.

Mop! Mop! – Louis Jordan And His Tympany Five (Claude DeMetruis-J. Mayo Williams)  (Decca) -one week at #1

Somebody’s Got To Go – (Haggart) – Cootie Williams & his Orchestra, vocal by Eddie Vinson, one week at #1. This was Billboard’s final Harlem Hit Parade title on February 10, 1945.

Author: Roger

I'm a librarian. I hear music, even when it's not being played. I used to work at a comic book store, and it still informs my life. I won once on JEOPARDY! - ditto.

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